Wednesday, 2019-05-15

Bible Reference: Mark 10:13-16
Translation: The Message (MSG)

Bible Text: ^13-16 The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

OBSERVATION: Jesus always welcomed children, however the disciples were challenged in wanting to keep the way cleared for Jesus to perform miracles and meet the needs of the adults. But Jesus saw, and He knew, how receptive children were in believing, without needing to know the how, what, when and where of everything that takes place, so He used His interaction with the children to teach a lesson to the adults present. We will meditate on the applicability of this to even us today.

APPLICATION: Parents and adults are constantly searching for ways to teach children more, and also ways that would help them become a better person as they mature. But how often do we ever stop to learn from these dear ones? Jesus saw the value in these precious gifts given to mankind, for He never had a need to deal with their rejection, or their hatred, or their pride. In fact, they felt very appreciative just to sit on Jesus’ lap and listen to Him teach, or whisper kind and loving words into their ears. It didn’t matter which knee they sat on, nor did it matter if they sat at His feet, as long as they were near to Him. Friends, can you see from just those few examples how many complications sin has added to our adult minds? For how many arguments will erupt over who got to sit on His lap this week, vs last week; who got to ask questions last week vs this week; whose parents did Jesus go over and speak to; who got more attention from Jesus; etc, etc. When I think of the words of Jesus in comparing the attitudes of children to those who enter the kingdom, I tend to think of us coming to Jesus in total surrender – no one pulling us back; no worries about what we will lose by following Christ; truly coming with outstretched arms and saying to Jesus ‘here I am Lord, take me and do what you would like to’; and seeking full repentance of our sin and willing to go in a totally new and different way – God’s way. Let me suggest that you take a close look at the ways of your child and see how forgiving they are, and how appreciative they are to just receive a hand up and be satisfied that they are with someone who cares and loves them. Don’t always demand your own way, but instead trust in God – for He cares for you! He loves you, in spite of all that you have done contrary to His commands, and He has a place prepared for you when He sees fit for you to leave this world and join Him in heaven. Know Him, today dear friend, and know the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding!

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for loving even us. As Your child, we are blown away with the love expressed to us daily in so many ways. Thank You for the children that You place in our lives to teach us lessons about our approach to You and to heaven. Please help us to use the actions and attitudes of our children to help us see You in a different, and innocent light, while all the while correcting us in all the negative ways we have been affected by this sinful world. We are Your children dear Lord. Please help us to act like that, and love like that. AMEN!